My favorite small businesses in Indianapolis
I know that when many people think of Indianapolis, they think of sports teams like the Colts and Pacers. They also might think of local cultural attractions like The Children’s Museum, Conner Prairie, and the Eiteljorg. Of course, there’s always the Indy 500. But one of the real strengths of the Circle City is its entrepreneurial spirit. Some even say it’s the economy’s lifeblood.
Here’s a few of the small businesses in Indianapolis that I love…
Ash & Elm Cider Co.
I’ve known Andrea, one of the owners of Ash & Elm Cider Co., since she was in high school. I know I had nothing to do with Ash & Elm’s success, but I have to admit that I still beam with pride from afar whenever I see them succeed.
Like being named one of the 10 best cideries in the country by USA Today.
Yeah. That’s a big deal. And it’s totally earned. Because their cider is amazing. And the food they serve is phenomenal, too.
If you asked me (I know, I know. You really didn’t), I’m a big fan of their Honeycrisp, Apple Butter, and Fleeting Youth. But
Give these a try
A&E Cider Club subscription
It’s the gift that gives all year long. And it’s OK if you give the gift to yourself! You get guaranteed access to their popular ciders of the month, discounts on merch and at their restaurant, and more. Check it out. You won’t be sorry.
Restaurant and cider bar
Oh, man. I’ve tried a lot of things on their menu. It’s all fabulous! Family favorites include the Cuban and Roast Turkey sandwiches. And you can’t go wrong with their fries! We’ve yet to try their Sunday brunch, but I have no doubt it’s amazing. You’ll find their current menus here. Be sure to try the Honeycrisp or Apple Butter ciders, if available. And you can’t go wrong with Fleeting Youth.
Send a Friend Lasagna
I’m a big fan of Send a Friend Lasagna, too. It’s a great concept. Because who doesn’t love lasagna?+ I love how Stephanie, the owner, describes what she does.
“I like to think of lasagna as a hug you give to someone even when you’re not in their presence. If someone takes a lasagna that I made out of their refrigerator or freezer and puts it in their oven to eat, I hope when they sit down at their table, they think of a hug I made especially for them.”
Stephanie (emphasis mine)
Isn’t that beautiful? And look at that cheese pull…
Give these a try
Meat Sauce and Cheese Lasagna
I’ve only tried Stephanie’s Meat Sauce and Cheese Lasagna. But it’s amazing.
Lasagna Flight
There’s so many different lasagnas to try – Meat Sauce and Cheese, Gorgonzola, Vegetable, their Lasagna of the Month – it’s almost impossible to choose just one. Fortunately, with a Lasagna Flight, you can choose three different lasagnas to send to a friend (or yourself, because you should be friends with yourself, too).
That’s right. I just said you could send yourself lasagna. Because why not?
Unless you were thinking maybe you wanted to send me some lasagna. I’d be more than OK with that.
Sun Bean Roastery
I’ve known Jenny, co-owner of Sun Bean Roastery, for…I’m not sure…nine years? I met her when I got to go to exhibit previews for The Children’s Museum. Now I work with her at the museum. In fact, she’s my boss. But she has no idea that I’m writing this.
Although it’s been neat to get a front-row seat to watch this venture get off the ground, the fact that Jenny’s a colleague of mine really has nothing to do with why Sun Bean Roastery is one of my favorite small businesses in Indianapolis.
Here’s the deal: I’m very particular about my coffee. I rarely find a cup that I enjoy. But their decaf Ethiopia roast is one of my favorites. It reminds me of the fresh-roasted coffee I’ve had at Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.
And that’s a great thing.
Oh…and their roastery is fully-powered by the sun. How cool is that?
Give these a try
Decaf Ethiopian coffee
This is a no-brainer. Right? I just sang the praises of this coffee. The beans come from Senna Katta Mountain farm, the only coffee farm in a remote forest area in the Boter forest preserve, which is in Jimma, Ethiopia. You should try it. You won’t regret it.
Subscription
Coffee roasted by the power of the sun delivered to your doorstep on a regular basis? Of course you want this! You can see all of their subscription offerings here.
Pup & The Pepper
I’ve known one of the owners of Pup & The Pepper since the early 2000s. Much like with the success of Ash & Elm, I beam with pride whenever I see Pup & The Pepper succeed. And boy, have they succeeded.
Their Ciliantro Verde sauce was recently awarded third place at the prestigious International Spicy Flave Awards!
A portion of their proceeds go towards supporting animal charities and rescues, too.
Give these a try
Cilantro Verde sauce
Ingredients include cilantro, peppers, and honey. It’s got a little kick, but it’s so good!
Gift Box
Not sure which one to get? Why not try them all? You can get a 5-pack gift box with one each of Eleanor’s Everything Sauce, Jalapeno Lime Time, Scarlet Reaper, Cilantro Verde, and PawPaw Peach Habanero.
Boss Battle Games
A day full of unlimited arcade, pinball, and console video games? Is that heaven?
No.
It’s Boss Battle Games. I don’t get to visit nearly as frequently as I’d like, but when I do, it’s just magical.
Give these a try
A day of games
One cover charge gives you a full day of video games, from open to close. No tokens. No pockets full of quarters. And no reloadable cards to keep track of. It’s such a great idea!
Rentals
Boss Battle Games also has rental opportunities. You can rent their party room for an epic gathering. Or you can have them bring one of their arcade machines to your event.
My favorite small businesses in Indianapolis
When I think of my favorite small businesses in Indianapolis, these five quickly come to my mind. Of course, there are many other small businesses in the area. And they’re great. But these are my current favorite small businesses in Indianapolis.
I hope you consider supporting them – and other small businesses – throughout the year!
Endnotes
+Even my diabetic butt still loves me some lasagna. I just can’t eat as much of it as I used to. And I probably used to eat too much of it anyway.
If you don’t love lasagna, I’m not sure if we can be friends.
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